The Flagship 04.17.2025

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams returns to Norfolk from forward deployment

CourtesyStory Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

NORFOLK, Va A U.S. Navy expeditionary sea-base shipUSSHershel“Woody”Williams(ESB-4)returnsto Naval Station Norfolk, Apr. 10 after operating forward deployed for almost five years, supporting U.S. Navy and alliedeffortsinU.S.AfricaCommand’s(AFRICOM) U.S. SixthFleetareaofoperation.

Williams returns to Norfolk’s waters with a hybridmanned crew of 44 Military Sealift Command (MSC) civil service mariners (CIVMARS) who operated, navigated,andmaintainedthevesseland85U.SNavySailors, BlueandGoldcrews whoalternatedmanningthevessel andallowingforcontinuousstrategicdeterrencepatrols

“This is a unique opportunity to welcome home a hard-working ship from its historic tenure forward-deployed, and to welcome home its crew its heart, soul andlifeblood inclassicNavyfashion,”saidRearAdmiral Dave Walt, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO, who was on hand to welcome home the Williams crew “This crew has punched above its weight and impressed leadership with its hard work, resourcefulness anddedication.”

The evolution marks the completion of 59 months as a Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF) vessel homeportedinSoudaBay,Crete,Greece,ajourneythatbeganin 2020.WilliamswillspendaweekatNavalStationNorfolk, offloadingherfuelbeforeshiftingtotheEastCoastRepair and Fabrication Shipyard in Newport News Va where shewillbeinlayberthawaitinghernexttasking

Built as a highly flexible mobile platform, capable of operating across a broad range of military sea-based operations, Williams had several noteworthy highlights throughoutthisdeployment.

In 2020, Williams became the first U.S. Navy warship assignedtoAFRICOMduetotheship’sabilitytosupport maritimesecurityandhumanitarianoperations

In 2021, during AFRICOM’s largest, premier joint, annualexercise knownasAfricanLion, Williamsparticipatedinakeyleaderengagementwith MoroccoArmedForces,hostedbyMorocco,Tunisia,and Senegal. “These engagements are critical as they allow Navy leaders to interact with partner nations to foster trustandbuildlong-termpartnerships,”saidMSC’sESB ProjectOfficerWilliamRevak.

In2022,Williamsjoinedforceswithpartnersandallies

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA) hosted a “Virginian Luau” themed culinary competition April 3, 2025 at Naval Air StationOceana’s(NAS)Hornet’sNestGalley.

The competition showcased culinary specialists fromnineNavygalleysintheMid-AtlanticRegionas theypreparedvariousbarbequeseafoodmenuitems inhopesofbringinghomeawinfortheirrespective galleys

“Wedothesetrainingsandcompetitionsbecause wewanttohavetheCSsgettogether showcasetheir skills collaborate and learn new techniques that they can bring back to the galleys, the ships…, said Scott Cooper, NRMA’s regional food service chef “We hope to see them get them excited about food service.” Priortothecompetitionday,theculinaryspecialistsspenttwodaystrainingalongsidelocalHampton RoadsChefswhotaughttheCSsvariousspecialized skillsfromtheirrespectiveculinaryspecialties

“We have been learning a lot the past few days, said Culinary Specialist (submarines) 2nd Class Marcelo Abarca, assigned to Submarine Base New London’s Cross Hall Galley, “The Nestle chef

showed us how to make desserts on a grill, which I hadneverseenbefore,andwelearnedhowtomake somedifferentart-likegarnisheswithfruit.Iactually didn’tcookuntilIjoinedtheNavy,andthat’swhere I found my passion…I just like making people feel goodwithfood. Following hours of preparation, cooking and teamwork, Submarine Base New London’s Cross Hall Galley team of three culinary specialists was awarded the first place prize with NAS Oceana’s DamNeckgalleytakinghomesecondplace NRMA is the regional coordinator for all shorebasednavalpersonnelandshoreactivitiesinthe Mid-Atlanticregion,whichencompasses20states 13installations andnumerousNavyReserveCenters fromMainetoVirginiaandasfarwestasIllinois

CulinarySpecialists assigned to nine galleys across NavyRegion Mid-Atlantic,competed in a Hawaiian Luau-themed culinarycompetitionApril 3 at the Hornet’s Nest Galleyaboard

Weapons Station Yorktown salutes

Vietnam War Veterans at local event

ByMaxLonzanida Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

WILLIAMSBURG, Va Sailors from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown joined service members and veterans alike at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4639 in Williamsburg to honor Vietnam War Veterans this past Saturday, March 29th

This day paid special homage to the nearly 50 Vietnam War veterans in attendance other veterans their families and a host of dignitariesattended.

A singing of the National Anthem commenced the event, followed by opening remarks by Tom Monahan who is the Chapter President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 957 An invocation was read by Reverend and Vietnam Veteran Chuck Mullaly The list of guest speakers took their turns at the podium, including Representative Robb Wittman of Virginia’s First Congressional District and James City County Board of Supervisors member, Jim Icenhour Also in attendance during this event was Delegate Amanda Batten, representingthe71stDistrictintheVirginia HouseofDelegates Battenisalsoamember oftheVFWPost4639’sAuxiliary

Representing the combined team of Sailors and civilians at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and providing remarks about the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War was Lieutenant Junior Grade Sayd Hussain. LT Hussain, who serves as the installation’s Construction Manager, also honed in on some of the contributions of the U.S. Navy Seabeesduringthewar.

“The Navy’s contribution to this conflict is often overlooked. Over 1.8 million Sailors served during the war, with over 220,000 deployedtothe[SoutheastAsia]region.The Navyplayedacriticalrolecommandingthe seas, dominating the skies, and delivering combatpower,logisticalsupportandstrategic mobility when it was needed the most,” said LT Hussain in the opening notes of his remarks Manyintheaudiencewereindeed U.S. Navy Veterans of the conflict, and his remarksresonatedhumblywiththem.

His remarks also focused on the contributions of the U.S. Navy Seabees during the war.

“From 1965 through the end of the Vietnam War, over 10,000 Seabees served in landsfarfromhome OrganizedasConstruction Battalions, we built and maintained critical shore infrastructure throughout Vietnam,”remarkedLT Hussain.

“We even helped bring a touch of home to our service members by setting up the stages, setting up the lights and the sound systems for comedian Bob Hope’s USO tours;Seabeestrulydiditall,”heremarked,

USS Hershel Williams from Page 1

with much head nodding and chucking in theaudience Indeed,manyintheattendancethatafternoon remembered attending a USO tour where comedian Bob Hope performed His vaudeville acts where he took to the stage with his signature golf club were often a welcome respite for many, including Sailors and Marines during that time frame The maritime pre-positioning roll on/roll off ship, USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR300) was named in honor of the legendary comedian. The ship was in service with the Military Sealift Command from 1997 until 2022;additionally theNationalNavalAviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida houses an exhibit dedicated to the renowned performer OverthecourseoftheVietnamWar,over 1,600Sailorsofnearlyeveryratingperished

forObangameExpress22,thelargestmultinationalmaritime exercise in Western Africa, to improve communication and informationsharingandtoincreasepartnernationcapability tofurtheradvancemaritimesecurityandstability,saidMSC’s ProgramManager,PrepositioningShips,LoraCaldwell.Additionally,theESB-4platformwasusedtoconductVisit,Board, Search,andSeizure(VBSS)drillswithFrenchSoldiers “VBSS training with partner nations contributes greatly to a more stableandsecureglobalmaritimeenvironment, Caldwellsaid. In 2023, Williams conducted humanitarian and disaster relief operations, delivering 113 pallets of disaster relief supplies, totaling nearly 40,000 pounds, to The Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency in Mersin, Türkiye for those citizens impacted by the Feb. 6, earthquakes In 2024 the Gold-military crew and MSC’s CIVMARS conducted community relation events in Tema, Ghana to continue building their mutual commitment to security and stabilityintheregionwhichhelpstoenhancetheNavy’soperationalreadiness TheWilliamscrewalsoconductedaTheater Security Cooperation (TSC) mission during the ship’s visit to Luanda,Angola.Likewise,theymanagedregionalcooperation operations (logistical and personnel support) while in Port Victoria,Seychelles Whilethere,WilliamshostedU.S.Ambassador Henry Jardine and Brigadier General Michael Rosette, chief of the Seychelles Defense Forces “We will continue to share information with the United States of America in the fightagainstillegalactivitieswithintheIndianOcean, Rosette statedinSeychellesNation,datedSept.4,2024 Throughout Williams 59-month deployment, MSC’s CVIMARS and the Navy’s Blue and Gold crews were instrumental in further enhancing Navy readiness, strengthening partnerships,andimprovingthecombinedcapabilitiesofthe U.S.Navyandpartnernations’responsestopubliccrisis,Caldwellsaid. ESBsprimarilysupportaviationminecountermeasuresand expeditionaryforcesmissions Additionalshipfeaturesinclude a large flight deck and hanger with four aviation operating spotscapableofhandlingMH-535Eequivalenthelicoptersand

in that land far from home Of those who perished are 85 Seabees who embodied the four simple words of the Seabee motto, “Webuild,Wefight.”OfthoseSeabeeswho perished was 26-year-old Steelworker Second Class William Hoover from San Diego California. He perished while serving as a member of Seabee Technical Assistance Team 1104 in Dong Xoai, Vietnam in June1965 HewasthefirstSeabeetoperish incombatduringtheVietnamWar;andwas the first Seabee to be awarded the Bronze Star Fellow Sailor, Construction Mechanic Third Class Marvin Shields also perished during that fateful battle in June 1965; and wasthefirstSeabeetobeawardedtheMedal of Honor Knox-class Frigate, USS Marvin Shields(FF-1066)wascommissionedin1971 Thewarshipisnamedinhishonor VirginiaDepartmentofVeteransServices

DeputyCommissioner,StephenCombsread aproclamationfromGovernorGlennYoungkin.VeteranscertificatesandcommemorativepinsweredistributedbyRepresentative Rob Wittman and Art Garrison, of the VietnamVeteransofAmericaChapter957 Tom Monahan provided closing remarks and the ceremony concluded after taps and a momentofsilencewasobserved This local ceremony honoring Vietnam War Veterans was echoed that day across the state and across the nation, as promulgated by the Vietnam War Recognition Act of 2017 The act formally designated March 29thasNationalVietnamWarVeteransDay and joins six other military centered observances honoring the sacrifices of service membersbothpastandpresent.

MV-22Ospreytiltrotoraircraft,berthingandmessingaccommodations, workspaces and ordnance storage for embarked forces

WilliamsisnamedinhonorofChiefWarrantOfficerHershel “Woody”Williams,adecoratedU.S.Marinewhowasawarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Iwo JimaduringWorldWarII. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook. com/usnavy orwww.twitter.com/usnavy. FormoreinformationfromMilitarySealiftCommandvisit https://sealiftcommand.com.

NORFOLK,Va (April 10 2025) - Operations Specialist 2nd Class Dakota Easley,assigned to the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionarymobile base USS Hershel “Woody”Williams (ESB 4),greets his familyfollowing the ships return to Naval Station Norfolk,April 10 2025.Hershel“Woody Williamswas forwarddeployed to the U.S.Naval Forces Europe andAfrica area ofoperations,employed byU.S.6th Fleet to defend U.S.,Allied,and partnerinterests (U.S.NAVY PHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST2ND CLASSDEREKCOLE)

NAS Oceana and JEB Little Creek-Fort Story

ByKatieHewett Naval Air Station Oceana

Military life comes with unique challenges and opportunities for both service membersandtheirfamilies Frequentmoves and time apart from loved ones is challenging for parents and children alike. This is whereschoolliaisonscomein.

School liaisons serve as a vital link between parents, educators and military commands Theirroleensuresmilitary-connected children experience a seamless transition between schools They connect educatorswiththeNavydeploymentsystem and cycles, and the tools available to assist them when working with military-connectedstudents

Additionally, school liaisons keep installation commanders aware of K-12 education topics, connecting them to community resources and collaborative programs that benefitmilitaryfamilies

One of those programs is the annual Art of a Being a Military Child Exhibit led by JointExpeditionaryBase(JEB)LittleCreekFortStory.TheArtofBeingaMilitaryChild Exhibit is a collaboration between Virginia BeachCityPublicSchools,LynnhavenMall, and school liaisons from JEB Little CreekFort Story and Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana.

Open to all Virginia Beach City Public School students the exhibit provides a unique opportunity for children to share their perspectives of military life through art.

“Through their art and narratives, these stories showcase their unique perspectives to teachers, parents, and the community at large that a life of ‘service to country’ providesamazingopportunitiesandunique challenges,” Debbie Patch, NAS Oceana school liaison said. “We feel honored to provide a platform where they can be shared.”

This year’s Art of Being a Military Child exhibit officially opened April 2 with an awards ceremony at Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach. Military, legislative, and CityofVirginiaBeachleadershipattendedto provideremarksandcongratulatewinners

“Their parents made the brave choice to defendourcountrybutthesechildrendidn’t get to choose,” JEB Little Creek-Fort Story commanding officer Capt David Gray said. “It’s important that we honor their sacrificetoo.”

Over500piecesofstudentartworkwillbe

ondisplayatLynnhavenMalluntilApril23

According to Gray, all of them tell a powerfulstory

“As you browse through the exhibit, you will see pain and loss on display, but you’ll also see a lot of pride,” Gray said. “These children have opened up their hearts to us through their work and they have a lot to teachusall.”

Gray closed his remarks by directly addressing the military children in attendance

“Tothesechildren Isaythankyou.Thank you for sharing your artwork with us and thankyouforeverythingyoudothatallows yourmomordadtodefendourcountry You serve our country too, I want you to know that we celebrate you and appreciate your service.”

Tom Crabbs, Military Liaison for Virginia’sSecretaryofVeteransandDefenseAffairs commended the courage and strength demonstratedbyparticipatingstudents

“When you choose to express yourself throughart,youdosowholeheartedly…you take risk, you make decisions, you conquer vulnerability and transform it into a lasting giftforalltoadmire,betterunderstand,and findinspiration,”Crabbssaid.“That’scourage Youarecourageous.”

According to Dr Donald Robertson Jr., Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools nearly 12,000 of students that attend the city’s public schools have a connection to an active-duty service member, making military family support crucial.

“Our strong military presence makes Virginia Beach City Public Schools unique compared to many other school divisions across the country,” Robertson said “We understand the unique obstacles these studentsface Thereisnoquestionthatmilitaryfamiliesarethebackboneofourarmed forces…asyourfamiliesserveournation,we areheretoserveandsupportyou.”

Capt. Josh Appezzato, commanding officer of NAS Oceana, said that the support school liaisons provide extends far beyond the classroom they ensure families have the support they need to remain mission ready

“Military life shapes more than just our warfighters, it shapes their families The dedication I see from our school liaisons to ensure our families are supported and havewhattheyneedtothriveisadmirable,” Appezzato said. “When our families are supported,ourNavyisstronger.”

Members ofthe communitywalkthrough theArt ofBeing a MilitaryChild

ByJoshuaRodriguez

Naval Information Forces

At the 2025 Sea-Air-Space Symposium, Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza commander Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR), delivered a keynote address emphasizing that operations in space are not merely a supporting function but the backbone of maritime warfighting dominance He underscored the crucial role of InformationWarfare(IW)indominatingthespace domain, a critical frontier in modern naval power, not in the future but in the present day.

“Not only are we preparing to celebrate our 250th anniversary - a testament to the enduring spirit of our Nation and the unwavering dedication of generations of Sailors but we are also looking ahead to the challenges, and opportunities, from seabed to space, in an increasingly complexandcontestedenvironment,”said Vernazza.“Thelandscapeofwarisdynamically changing and nowhere more so than in space.”

The Sea-Air-Space Symposium, hosted by the Navy League of the United States, is the premier maritime exposition, drawingmilitaryleaders,industrypartners,and government officials to explore the latest advancementsinnavalwarfare.Thisyear’s theme was “Addressing Threats and Operations from Seabed to Space”. A key theme in Vernazza’s remarks was the growing importanceofspaceasacontesteddomain He emphasized that information warfare is not merely a supporting function but an essential pillar of naval operations in this area.

“The access to, and use of space is of serious national interest and has significantnationalconsequenceifwedon’tgetit right, Vernazzastated.“TheU.S.Navy and theinformationwarfarecommunity,playa vital role in this domain, from operational supportandtechnologicaladvancement,to our services’ use of space-based capabilities for communications, targeting, navigation, intelligence, and reconnaissance to name just a few The information warfare community is absolutely to operations in spaceandhowthisrealmenableswarfighting and readiness to keep our homeland safe and deter our adversaries.

Vernazza highlighted the growing threat posed by adversaries, particularly China as the pacing challenge, who are actively developing counter-space capabilities He warned of the dangers posed by their expanding satellite network and advancementsinanti-satelliteweaponsand

jamming technologies

“Potential adversaries are developing capabilities designed to disrupt, degrade, and even destroy the very satellites we depend on. This is not a distant threat but a clear and present danger demanding we take seriously the criticality of space in everyfacetofourwarfightingdoctrineand that is where information warfare comes in,” said Vernazza. “China in particular, poses a significant and growing challenge to our national security interests in space Theyseektopositionthemselvesasaleading space power…they are developing new space systems to enhance military effectiveness testingandbuildingsophisticated counterspacecapabilitieswiththeintentto disruptanddegradetheU.S.spaceenabled advantage.”

To counter these threats, NAVIFOR is focusingonthreestrategicpriorities:developingandtraininginformationwarfighters, investing in space readiness with cutting edge technologies and innovation, and continuing to strengthen our partnerships with other services like the Space Force, the intelligence community and Allies and partners.

“Inthefaceofthesechallenges,wemust remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the most lethal, ready, and capable Navy the world has known. This requires a multi-pronged approach, laser focused on warfighting and underpinned by the warrior ethos that defines who we are as Sailors,” said Vernazza. “Which brings me to our most crucial asset to ensure warfighting excellence, our information warfighters, they are the ones who will operate in this contested environment,bringingtogetherboththemaritime and space domains to deliver information advantage throughout competition, crisis and conflict.

The IW Pavilion featured demonstrations, keynotes speakers, and engagement zones highlighting advancements in information warfare. Attendees engaged with subject matter experts from across the IW enterprise, gaining insight into how the Navy is operationalizing information warfare to enhance maritime superiority

“The pillars of information warfare, battle space awareness, integrated fires and assured command and control are completely reliant on space,” Vernazza noted.“Byembracinginformationwarfare as the vital capability that it is, and prioritizing space in our warfighting doctrine, growing space education in our school houses,anddevelopingtactics,techniques, andprocedures andconceptofoperations thatmaximizeourwarfightingcapabilities, wecanassureourcontinueddominancein space The future of naval power depends on it.” FormoreinformationonNAVIFOR

Before you ride, it’s

You’ve

a higherchance ofinjurywhen you get in a bicycle accident compared to just being on two feet A bikeletsyouattainhighspeedswithoutthebenefitofmanyprotectivebarriers Withthatinmind, pleaserememberthisguidancebeforeyounextstartpedaling

1.Rideprepared Ataminimum,thismeansputonahelmet Youshouldalsowearhighvisibility clothing Bicyclistsnotbeingvisibleisthesecondleadingcauseinfatalbikecrashes(theleading causeisfailingtoyieldtherightofway;thefollowingtakeawayswillhelpwiththat).Ifyou’reriding atnight havebothfrontandrearfacinglights(thisismandatoryifridingonbase).Inadditionto safetyequipment makesureyourbikeiswellfunctioningandfitsyou.Thewrongsizebikewillbe difficulttohandle,especiallyifimportantthingslikebrakesdon’tworkproperly

2.Ridedefensively focusedandalert.Focus on the road and traffic around you.Assume otherscan’tseeyou(driversandbicyclists;liketheexamplesabove)andanticipatetheiractions. Ifyou’realreadylookingforthenexthazard,you’llrespondmorequickly

3.Ridepredictably This means ride where you are expected to be seen, and it allows others toexpectyournextmove Ridewiththeflowoftrafficandadheretostreetsigns,signalsandroad markings,justlikeacar(thisisn’tjustgoodadvice,it’sthelaw) Bicyclesaretreatedlikevehicleson theroad.Also asmentionedinthenarratives minimizesidewalkriding Inadditiontodriversnot seeingyouaseasily sidewalkscanendunexpectedly forcingyouintotraffic.Ifyouareonthesidewalk,slowandlookfortrafficbeforeyoucrossthestreet andagain,assumeotherscan’tseeyou. VisittheNHTSABicycleSafetyWebpageformorebikesafetytipsandstatistics. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety

Bridging the gap: The critical role of Navy scientists in strengthening operational lethality

ByCherishGilmore Office of Naval Research

NORFOLK Va The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global is on a mission to strengthen U.S. naval capabilities by bridging the gap between scientists and warfighters who serve at sea. One of the ways the command does so is through the Scientist-to-Sea(S2S)program,whichinvitesU.S. governmentandindustry-partnerscientists and engineers to experience Navy installationsandshipsin-personwheneverpossible.

TheS2Sprogramcreatesauniqueopportunity for top minds in naval science and technology to interact with Sailors and Marines, gaining firsthand insights into warfighter requirements and operations. Recently,agroupof12scientists,engineers, oceanographers and mathematicians had the opportunity to gain an in-depth understandingofthenavaldrumbeatduringaS2S tourinNorfolk,Virginia.

The participants visited Naval Station NorfolkandJointExpeditionaryBaseLittle Creek waterfronts, where they toured the U.S.S. George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 (HSC-5) and U.S.S. Gunston Hall (LSD 44). They also had the opportunity to observe Beachmaster Unit 2 conduct training evolutions involving surveying the beach to establish boat lanes and setting up camp to establish abeachhead.

“The motivation for setting these up is that,althoughpeoplehaveworkedforyears at ONR and other naval activities, many of them have never been on a naval platform or had any exposure to the warfighters,” saidAnthonyV.Bausas,ONRGlobalscience advisortoU.S.FleetForcesCommand,who leadsinplanningthetours

“Itismyhopethatgreaterexposuretothe Navy as a whole will enable the participating scientists and engineers to gain a better understanding of the technology gaps and challenges that our warfighters experience every day, and to address these gaps and challengesmoreeffectively.”

ONR sponsors the development of technology for Sailors and Marines around the world. It is important to understand operator requirements and how new technology will be operated. Crucial questions can include how technology upgrades will impactsystemsandprocessesonboardNavy vessels

“These events help foster a relationship andmutualunderstandingbetweenthefleet and the Naval Research and Development Establishment orNR&DE,”saidCmdr Jeff Parks whocoordinatesandexecutestheS2S eventsforONR.“Theyprovidethescientists andengineerswhodesign,buildandsupport the systems the Navy employs with exposure to the fleet and insight into how those

systemsareutilized.”

Parks who has years of service and deployments on his resume believes the biggesttakeawayistheopportunitytoshow scientists and engineers the vast difference between the operational environment and thelabtheymaybeaccustomedto

“Particularlythecramped quarters, how everything needs to be ruggedized for combat and able to take a hit, and the self-sufficiency we must have while disconnectedfromcivilization.Ontheotherhand, it is important for the warfighters to have exposure to the NR&DE and access to the broad range of scientists, engineers and developersattheirdisposal, saidParks Anjelica Rivers, a systems engineer from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama

CityDivision,agrees:“Ibelievethisprogram is invaluable for the engineering and scientist community It allows us to see how our workfitsintothebiggerpicture

“Iwaspleasedtomeetthemandaskthem about their experiences, particularly what could make their lives better? What new technologycouldbeuseful?Itwasanincredible experience being aboard a carrier and learningabouttheirvessel.

Cherish T. Gilmore is a contractor for ONRCorporateStrategicCommunications

PCU John F. Kennedy holds moment of silence for USS Thresher

PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)

NEWPORTNEWS Va Sailorsassigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) joined NNS-HII shipbuilding partners in a moment of silence to markthe62ndanniversaryofthelossofthe U.S. Navy submarine Thresher (SSN 593), April.10,2025

“This anniversary is more than just a remembrance it is a call to each of us A calltoupholdthehigheststandardsofsafety, quality and integrity in all that we do,” said Capt. Doug M. Langenberg, commanding officer of PCU John F. Kennedy “Our work

here at the shipyard directly impacts the lives of those who go to sea. Every pipe we weld,everysystemwetest,everyinspection weperform itallmatters.”

On April 10 1963 129 officers crew members and civilians were lost when Threshersankduringseatrialsoffthecoast of Massachusetts. Though Thresher was not built at Newport News Shipbuilding, the lessons learned from her loss fundamentally reshaped the Navy’s approach to submarinesafety

“As a result of the loss, the Navy instituted the SUBSAFE Program to ensure qualityassuranceincriticalsystemsaboard submarines,whichhastransformedintothe cornerstone of the Navy’s Quality Assur-

ance,” said Lt j.g. Scott Gold, the quality assurance officer aboard the PCU John F. Kennedy Thresher the most advanced submarine ofhereraandtheleadshipofanewclassof nuclear- powered fast-attack submarines representedamajortechnologicalachievement. Her loss was the first of a nuclear-powered submarine at sea and remains the greatest single tragedy in the history of thesubmarineforce Sailors aboard PCU John F. Kennedy and their shipyard teammates reflected on how the lessons of Thresher’s loss extend beyond the submarine community serving asapowerfulreminderoftheimportanceof precision,integrity,andattentiontodetailin

shipbuilding and fleet readiness Through their actions and dedication, the PCU John F. Kennedy team ensures that every Sailor who serves aboard their ship will be able to do so safely confidently and with pride “WehonortheThreshernotonlyinremembrancebutinaction bydoingourjobswith care, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility,”saidLangenberg PCU John F. Kennedy is the second Ford-class

NAVFAC completes critical roof restoration at National Museum of the Marine Corps

ByNatashaWaldronAnthony Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington

The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) has successfully completed a specialized roof restoration project at the iconic National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia, protecting priceless military artifacts and ensuring the preservation of Marine Corps history

The museum’s distinctive architecture, inspired by the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of Marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima, presented unique engineering challenges. The skylight structure funneled thousands of gallons of rainwater onto the roof membrane during heavy rainfall,causingprematuredegradationandthreateningexhibitsbelow

“Thiswasn’tjustaboutfixingaroof itwasabout protecting our nation’s heritage,” said NAVFAC Atlantic Roof and Envelope Program Manager Ahmed Hassan. “The museum honors those who served and sacrificed, and we needed a solution worthyofthatmission.

After thorough assessment, NAVFAC specialists selected an innovative Inverted Roof Membrane Assembly using a 100% solids roofing system made from polyurethane methacrylate technology This fluid-applied solution minimized seams, became

waterproof within 30 minutes of installation and effectively addressed the complex contours of the circularring-shapedroof

The project exemplified NAVFAC’s commitment to sustainable asset management, extending the roof’s lifecycle from 20 to potentially 40+ years at a fraction of replacement costs Graham Ruggie, NAVFAC Washington Architectural Branch head, emphasized the importance of early collaboration between Quantico Public Works Department, museumstaffandNAVFACspecialists

“If I could advocate this type of centralized collaboration across the enterprise on technical issues supports NAVFAC’s mission and makes us strongerasacommand, Ruggiesaid.

The successful restoration ensures that visitors to this landmark along Interstate 95 can continue to reflect on Marine Corps history in a building as remarkableasthelegacyitpreserves

CNRMA Commander, RADM Carl

Lahti,

ByAlanaDemo Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

visits Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA), Rear Adm. Carl Lahti made his second visit to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard April4,sinceheassumedcommandlastJuly WithakeenfocusontheShipyard’sInstallationandtheSailorswhoprovidethisvital support,Lahtiopenedhisvisitwithatownhall style meeting engaging in a two-way conversation with senior military leadership This type of forum provides Lahti a prime opportunity to emphasize the Shipyard’smission,commendtheSailorsontheir superbperformance,andhearupfrontabout theirchallenges,needs,andconcerns

“Supporting the fleet, warfighters and their families is more than a mission statement,”saidLahti.“Itmustbeadailycommitment by a dedicated workforce, which thinksoutsidethebox,todelivertothefleet. It’sourinstallationswheretherubbermeets theroad.” Joined by Shipyard Commander Capt Michael Oberdorf and shipyard leadership,

Lahti toured the Power Plant Facility, USS Hampton (SSN 767) Operational Spaces, the Navy Exchange, Fire and Emergency Services, and the construction site of P-381 Multi-Mission Dry Dock Project The tour encompassed a sampling of locations that exemplify PNSY’s commitment towards expandingandrestoringcriticalinfrastructure, and quality of life and service to our Sailorsandtheirfamilies

“It is an honor to have Rear Adm. Lahti here at Portsmouth to see how we are continuing to push boundaries to drive innovation and challenge delivery scheduleswhilemaintainingafocusonourworkforce and the Sailors as our customer,” said Oberdorf “We are proudly supporting the fleet by delivering ready, capable and lethal Navywarfightingassetstodeteradversaries aroundtheglobe.”

“We’ve hit the halfway mark on two new dry docks that will double our Virginia-classdockingcapacity;completedafourstory 120,000 square foot state-of-the-art waterfront production facility expected to improve submarine maintenance sched-

ules; and will soon complete a transformational Paint, Blast, and Rubber facility that maximizes worker safety and industrial efficiency,” said PNSY Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program Director Russ Gagner “These improvements send a clearmessagethatwearefullyengagedand investedinensuringwearedoingeverything inourpowertoreadythefleet.

Rear Adm. Lahti emphasized five core lines of effort - 1. Enterprise, 2. Fleet Integration, 3. Quality of Life and Service, 4. Infrastructure, and 5. Workforce Development. “Installations must be able to get service members underway in a condition that allows them to surge and execute the missionattheveryhighestlevelwhiletrusting there are people back home supporting theirfamilies,”saidLahti.“Ourinstallations must become more effective to contribute to fleet operations by upgrading base infrastructure to tackle current and future challenges.”

As America’s leader for attack submarine maintenance repair and modernization,PNSYisenhancingcriticalwarfighting

ByKathleenRoberts

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command HQ

Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) commander and chief of Civil Engineers and Mark Edelson program executive officer for Industrial Infrastructure (PEO II), shared the Department of the Navy’s (DON) approach to shore infrastructure revitalization at a Sea-Air-Space paneldiscussionApril8inNationalHarbor, Maryland.

Panel members described how shore infrastructure provides the foundation for America’s maritime engagement in the worldanddiscussedhowtheDepartmentof Navy theDepartmentofTransportationand commercial shipyards are upgrading ports, shipyards and other infrastructure and equipment to support warfighting lethality andtheUnitedStates’economicinterests VanderLeygaveseveralexamplesofhow NAVFACisinvestigatingdifferentcontracting strategies to award military constructioncontractsfasterandatalowercostthan traditionalmethods

“We’re doing things like early contractor involvement, where we bring the construction contractors on much earlier in the design process to provide input in the design,” he said. “That’s really important, especially on really complex projects where the cost and schedule is less about whatyou’rebuilding [andmoreabout]how youhavetobuildit.” Edelson noted that early contractor involvement has also been important for buildingnewdrydocksaspartoftheNavy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program(SIOP).

“We’re in unexplored territory now with the type of construction we’re doing,” said Edelson. “With the magnitude of the dry dock we are proposing to build at Puget SoundNavalShipyard forexample itwill take twice the amount of concrete that it took to build the Pentagon we’ve learned to bring in prospective contractors early in the design phase to start talking us through considerations on how to build such a massivething Howtosharetheriskinbuildingsomethinglikethisoverseveralyears.” VanderLey also described how NAVFAC is looking to leverage new and emerging techniques that are gaining traction in the commercial construction industry One promising area of innovation is industrialized construction, which is also known as offsite or modular construction, where the building parts are prefabricated offsite, and thenthepartsarebroughtonsiteandassembled Using this type of construction could

resultinsavingsintermsofcostandscheduleofupto30percent.

“Forcertaintypesofprojects,we’reseeing a lot of advantages to that [industrialized] construction.Thingslikechilddevelopment centersorbarrackshavesomesortofmodularcomponentwhereyoucanconstructalot of[thebuilding]offsiteandbringitontothe site,”hesaid.

Off-siteorindustrialconstructioncanalso havebenefitsinlargeconstructionprojects, suchasdrydocks

“With the large drydocks we’re building, there can be huge components the size of a four-story apartment building that are being cast offsite and brought to the location to [be assembled] on site on a very grandscale,”saidVanderley.“Thosekindof approaches, and looking at how NAVFAC can do things better, smarter and really leverage the innovations with industry to makebestuseoftheresourceswedohave NAVFACisthenavalshorefacilities,base operating support, and expeditionary engineering systems command that delivers life-cycletechnicalandacquisitionsolutions alignedtofleetandMarineCorpspriorities SIOP is a comprehensive, long-term recapitalization effort that is delivering integrated investments in infrastructure andindustrialplantequipmentattheNavy’s four public shipyards, expanding shipyard capacity and optimizing shipyard configuration to meet the Navy’s nuclear-powered fleetmaintenancerequirements Recapitalizing the shipyards’ century-old infrastructureincreasesmaintenancethroughputand improves quality of service for the Navy’s 37,000shipyardemployees.

SILVERSPRING,Md.(April 4,2025) Cmdr Rhonda Lizewski,deputyscience directorwith Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC),engageswith students atWellerRoad ElementarySchool’s STEM CareerDay.Representatives from NMRC spent the daywith 3rd,4th and 5th graders answering questions discussing careerswithin NavyMedicine and demonstrating laboratoryequipment NMRC is engaged in a broad spectrum ofactivities, from basic science in the laboratoryto field studies in austere and remote areas oftheworld to investigations in operational environments.In support ofthe Navy Marine Corps,and joint U.S.warfighters researchers studyinfectious diseases,biologicalwarfare detection and defense, combat casualtycare environmental health concerns,aerospace and undersea medicine medical modeling simulation,operational mission support,epidemiologyand behavioral sciences For250years,NavyMedicine represented bymore than 44,000

NMRC shares Navy capabilities and opportunities at Weller Road Elementary Career Day

ByElliottPage Naval Medical Research Command

SILVER SPRING, Md Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) participated in Weller Road Elementary School’s annual STEMCareerDay,onApril4,toshareinformationonandopportunitiesintheU.S.Navy andmilitaryresearch.

3rd, 4th and 5th grade students had the opportunitytospeakwithactive-dutyNMRC lab technicians to learn how they safeguard Sailor health and readiness The command’s exhibittableincludedapropbiocontainment unitfilledwithactivitiesstudentscouldinteract with through built-in gloves, simulating howmilitaryscientistshandlebacteria.

“Itmeansalottometoteachthekidsabout pathways within the medical research side of the military,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd classCatherineEstrada,amedicallaboratory technician.“Iwouldhavelovedformyschool todothisgrowingup Ithinkit’sagreatwayto seeallthedifferentpathwaystochoosefrom.”

This year’s career day marks the second thatWellerRoadElementarySchoolhasheld initsgymnasium.Previouseventswereheld intheclassrooms,withonlyalimitednumber ofprofessionalsabletospeaktothestudents

“Ourgoalistoshowallthepossible[career] options,” said Stacey Dworin, a school counselor with Weller Road. “This day gives the kids the ability to see that they can be what they want to be The military is one of those

options,allowingthekidstoseethattheycan haveacareerinSTEMinthemilitary.”

In support of the Navy, Marine Corps and joint U.S. warfighters, NMRC researchers study infectious diseases, biological warfare detectionanddefense,combatcasualtycare, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology and behavioral sciences. For 250 years, Navy Medicine, represented by morethan44,000highly-trainedmilitaryand civilian healthcare professionals, has deliveredqualityhealthcareandenduringexpeditionarymedicalsupporttothewarfighteron, below,andabovetheseaandashore.

ByNAWCADVisualInformation

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

A new exhibit showcasing developmental test pilots, flight officers, engineers and the history and influence of the U.S. Naval Test PilotSchool(USNTPS)launchesatthePatuxentRiverNavalAirMuseumonApril12

The exhibit, “80 Years of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” brings Southern Maryland home of developmental flight test for the Navy and Marine Corps an up-close look attheprofessionofflighttestandthetraining institutionwhereitallstarts

“USNTPS transformed flight test educationandinspiredgenerationsofleaderswho push the boundaries developing Navy and Marine Corps aerospace technology,” said USNTPSCommandingOfficerCmdr Travis Hartman. “This exhibit is a tribute to that legacyandlooksforwardtothefutureofavia-

tion innovation. We are excited to share this withvisitorsand,hopefully,futuretesters.”

Through a series of engaging displays, visitors will learn about the critical and sometimes dangerous role developmental test pilots flight officers and test engineers play in early aircraft and subsystem development. The exhibit highlights key milestones of USNTPS’ historical development and provides insight into test pilot student life,includingitsdemandingcurriculumthat shapes the aviation industry’s cadre of flight test professionals Designed to inform and inspirefuturetalent,theexhibitaimstospark curiosity and ambition in aspiring test pilots andfutureaerospaceprofessionals.

USNTPS is an institution recognized worldwideforitsrigorousacademicprogram and excellence in developmental aviation training,servingtestpilotsacrossallmilitary services and many international partners

The Navy’s test pilot school also serves as a

dedicatedtesttraininginstitutionfortheU.S. Army and has graduated nearly 100 NASA astronauts to date, including John Glenn, AlanShepard,andWallySchirra.

The exhibit was developed in partnership with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), parent command to USNTPS The school is a first stop for most of NAWCAD’s developmental test pilots and flight officers before they begin assignments testing aircraft at its developmental testsquadrons

Theexhibitisopenthrough2026 NAWCAD operates test ranges, laboratoriesandaircraftinsupportoftest,evaluation, research, development and sustainment of everything flown by the Navy and Marine Corps Based in Patuxent River Maryland, the command also has major sites in St Inigoes, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey andOrlando,Florida.

Undersea Warfighting Development Center leadership visits NUWC Division Newport

ByPublicAffairsOffice

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport

NEWPORT, R.I. A constant co-evolutionoftechnologyandoperationalconcepts is critical to providing the best warfighting capabilities possible to the U.S. Navy’s submarinefleet.

In support of that mission, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) DivisionNewportandtheUnderseaWarfighting Development Center (UWDC) continue to haveastrongworkingrelationship

“The importance of keeping that relationship with UWDC is critical, especially because of the time we’re in with the key rolethesubmarinewillplayinanypotential conflict,” Division Newport Commanding Officer Capt. Chad Hennings said. “UWDC is figuring out how best for the submarine to operate in conditions and we’re rapidly developing capabilities and making improvements to make sure our Sailors havethebesttoolspossibletoexecutetheir mission.

On March 31, the warfare center welcomed UWDC Commander Rear Adm. MichaelR.VanPootsandsomeoftheorganization’s senior leaders for a full day of toursanddiscussions VanPootswasjoined by Dennis Boyer, SES, deputy commander; Capt. Todd Moore, chief of staff; Ellen Greenberg, director Commander’s Action Group Director; and Capt. Matt Boland, director,TacticalAnalysisGroup(TAG).

“I am inspired by the work NUWC is doing to deliver capabilities to our warfighters,”VanPootssaid “Theexpertisethat NUWC offers is integral to our processes at UWDC aimed at maintaining lethality and dominance in the undersea today and for yearstocome.” Division Newport consistently delivers newtechnologiesandcapabilitieswithinits technicaldesignandin-serviceengineering roles. It is strategically important to show the status of the latest and greatest items to develop and modify the tactics, procedures and technology before they are on deployment,DivisionNewportTechnicalDirector MarieBussieresaid.

“If we as a technical organization go off and develop technology in a vacuum, it’s ill-informed from how we think the Navy is going to use it and vice versa,” Bussiere said. “If UWDC is off pulling new tactics and it’s not informed by how the technologycanalterthosetactics,wedon’tgetthat synergy. If we co-evolve, we get the best of bothworlds.”

After some early discussions with Division Newport leadership, Van Poots toured Division Newport’s Classified Rapid InnovationCenter,wheresubjectmatterexperts

provided updates on the warfare center’s efforts in strike tactical operations, fleet experimentations,capabilitydeliveriesand newpayloadsintegratedwithinthecombat system.

Van Poots then toured the Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Lab for a briefing on how it is helping the Submarine Forces Pacific (SUBPAC) Warfighting Evaluation Center (WEC) by addressing problems and evaluatingcapabilitiesintheunderseabattle space This work is performed in collaboration with UWDC’s Submarine Aggressor Squadron(AGGRON).

“The undersea battle space is using gaps in capabilities to inform technology development and delivery, said Matt O’Connell, director of program in the Undersea WarfareCombatSystemsDepartment.“The aggressorsquadronhelpsthewarfightersin theirpracticingtacticsandoperationsusing threatscenarios.”

A tour of the Weapons Analysis Facility (WAF)Labfollowed.Thefacilityisusedfor critical tasking in torpedo software development, software integration into torpedo weaponsystems,simulationandanalysisof bothin-waterandsimulatedweaponruns

“We have a strong partnership with

UWDConthetechnicalside,aswellaswith the analytic work we’re doing,” Bussiere said.“They’rerelyingonustolookatdifferent platforms or sensors to gauge anti-submarine or surface warfare (ASUW/ASW) performance To tell them here’s what worked,andhere’swhatdidn’twork.

The group also met with members of the USWElectromagneticSystemsDepartment, for the latest developments in communications and electronic warfare, as the U.S. Navy’s principal research, development, test and evaluation agent for USW electromagnetic systems, including antennas, periscopes electronic warfare radar and communicationsystem.

At the Naval Array Technical Support Center,SensorsandSonarSystemsDepartment employees gave an in-depth explanationofhowthefacilityoperates,includinga detaileddescriptionofthedifferentcomponents and functions of towed arrays This includes the platforms on which they operate,aswellaswhatthefutureholdsforthese systems This facility is used to support the full spectrum of science and technology, advanced development, and in-service engineering of submarines and surface

ships, including towed sensor arrays used for submarine and surface ship range and detection and advanced development and handling systems

The tour concluded with a briefing on the latest updates from the Yellow Moray Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV)Program,asubmarine system that enables the launch and recovery of specially configured REMUS 600-based AUVsfromVirginia-class torpedotubes UWDC , und er the direction of Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher Commander Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR),enhancesundersea warfighting capabilities and readiness across the theater, operational and tactical levels of war. The center, based at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut, with detachments in Norfolk,Virginia,andSan Diego, California, develops doctrine for how multi-domain undersea warfare platforms integrate with each other, including the incorporation of artificialintelligenceandmachinelearning UWDC oversees several groups working together to enhance submarine operations including the Arctic Submarine Lab TAG andAGGRON

The missions and geographic locations of Division Newport and the UWDC have contributedtoacloseworkingrelationship Leadershipofbothorganizationsmeetperiodically for technical exchanges and deep dives into critical gap areas and capability enhancements The warfare center’s technical departments and UWDC’s working groupsalsointeractregularly NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869 Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and AndrosIslandintheBahamas aswellastest facilitiesatSenecaLakeandFisher’sIsland, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond,Connecticut.

Pacific Submarine Force hosts 2025 Undersea Warfare Commanders’ Conference

CourtesyStory Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBORHICKAM, Hawaii Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SUBPAC) hosted the 2025 Undersea Warfare Commanders’ Conference at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, April 1-4, 2025 Rear Adm. Rick Seif, commander, Submarine Force,U.S.PacificFleet,welcomedtheinternational partner nation participants to the latestiterationoftheconferenceatSUBPAC Headquarters

“Undersea warfare is highly complex, particularlyintheIndo-Pacific,andsensors and platforms from seabed to space must integratetogethertocontrolthebattlespace The USWCC is a superb opportunity for flag-leveldialoguewithourunderseaAllies and partners across a wide range of topics We’reatourbestwhenweoperatetogether, shoulder-to-shoulderasateam,”saidSeif

The 2025 USWCC featured submarine forcerepresentativesfromtheRoyalAustralian Navy Royal Canadian Navy French Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy, Republic of SingaporeNavy,andtheRoyalNavy Eachparticipating nation provided a briefing on their submarine force capabilities, key lessons

BySusanneGreene Norfolk Naval Shipyard

As an Army veteran and shipfitter since 2001, Shop 11 Shipfitter Supervisor Dustin Kuchisnowusinghisexperienceandability to develop others to benefit Norfolk Naval Shipyard(NNSY).

He is currently responsible for the MTS Sam Rayburn (MTS 635) project and coordinates his team assignments, monitoring their work, and verifying that Shop 11 non-nuclear work is completed on time to support Rayburn’s towing to Puget Sound NavalShipyard

Kuch started at NNSY as a WG-10 Mechanicandwaspromotedtoworkleader inJanuary2024andthensupervisorbythe endoftheyear

The most rewarding part of Kuch’s job is towatchhisteamsucceed,whethertheyare newhiresorseasonedmechanics

“Light bulb moments are fantastic,” said Kuch. “Watching their confidence and skill grow on a daily basis is also a reward in itself.”

Kuch was nominated for Shipyard Spotlight by NNSY Project Superintendent MichaelGarrelts HebelievesthatKuchsets thebarforhowasuccessfulNNSYSupervisorshouldperform.

“Heisextremelyengagedinhisworkand mentors his team of mechanics to accomplish all tasks that are assigned and the team’s morale is high,” said Garrelts “He always takes care of his people and ensures they are engaged in order to accomplish their tasks, while providing mentoring, direction,andlearningtohisentireteam.”

Kuch shared that managing a team will always come with its successes and challenges

“Themostdifficultaspectiscommunication and coordination,” said Kuch. “Everyone has their own way of doing things and waysofcommunicating.”

Kuch continued, “It’s important for people to have the same understanding of thegoalsandneedsfortheprojectorparticularjob.”

fromrecentmultinationaltheateranti-submarine warfare exercises and how their submarine force is adapting to solve evolvingcommunicationandtechnologicalchallengesatsea

The conference’s theme was “Strengthening Theater Undersea Warfare Interop-

erability and Lethality in the Indo-Pacific Theater.”

“Our combined combat readiness and interchangeability maximizes the asymmetric value of submarines and cross-domainunderseaforces,”saidSeif “Continued collaboration with our highly capable and

like-minded partners strengthens deterrence and contributes directly to peace and stabilityintheregion.”

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. PacificFleet,deliveredopeningremarksfor the conference discussing the challenges of undersea warfare and the importance of interoperability and cohesion between partner nation undersea warfare platforms and sensors Adm. Bill Houston, director of theNavalNuclearPropulsionProgramlater addressed the conference attendees, highlighting the endurance and capabilities of nuclear-powered submarines in deterring aggressionintheIndo-Pacific.

USWCC conference participants took part in a table-top undersea warfare planningexerciseandconductedatourofVirginia-classfast-attacksubmarineUSSMontana (SSN 794), discussing the boat’s capabilities with Cmdr John Gilligan, Montana’s commandingofficer The Pacific Submarine Force provides strategic deterrence, anti-submarine warfare;anti-surfacewarfare;precisionland strike;intelligence surveillance reconnaissanceandearlywarning;andspecialwarfare capabilitiesaroundtheglobe

He finds the best way to overcome challenges is a willingness to ask questions, ensure open communication, and to persevere

“You can only fail when you stop trying,” said Kuch “No challenge I have ever faced haveIfacedalone.”

The best advice he has for being a good leader is to understand your people and what they need to succeed. Kuch feels it is importanttodiscoverwhatmotivatesthem,

howtheythinkandreact.

“People are this shipyard’s greatest asset and are often times underutilized because they’remisunderstoodoraren’tchallenged,” saidKuch.“Setanexpectationforyourteam andchallengethem.”

“Show them they matter, as well as their ideas,” said Kuch. “Be willing to listen, to learn,andlastlybepatient,noteveryonegets thingsrightaway.”

He has received some great leadership

advicethroughouthiscareer

“Never stop learning,” said Kuch “Even if you are the best in your field,

US, Australian Naval leaders ride submarine, strengthening bilateral ties

CourtesyStory

Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBORHICKAM, Hawaii Director of the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program Adm. Bill Houston, who completed his Submarine Command Course training on Collinsclass submarine HMAS Rankin in 2007, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, a 2003 graduate of the U.S. Navy Submarine Command Course,embarkedUSSMontana(SSN794) for a combined operational familiarization opportunityatsea,April3,2025

The underway on a Virginia-class fast attack submarine reinforced the strong bilateral ties between the two navies and underscored their commitment to maintain warfighting readiness and lethality to uphold security, freedom and prosperity in theIndo-Pacific.

“We have a clear mission: achieve peace through strength,” said Houston. “We are a maritime nation, and our nuclear-powered submarines provide an asymmetric advantage that is defending American and allied interests24/7 anywhere,anytime.”

Duringtheirvisit,HoustonandHammond interacted with the crew, observed operations and toured the submarine’s propulsionplant.

Houston emphasized the significance of the partnership “The United States and Australiashareadeepandenduringcommitmenttofreedomandsecurity, saidHouston. “Ournaviescontinuetotraintogether,exercise together, and deploy together, ensuring that we are always ready to defend our shared interests and strengthen peace, stabilityanddeterrenceacrosstheIndo-Pacificregion.”

Hammond highlighted the importance

of the partnership “The Royal Australian Navy has operated alongside the U.S. Navy for more than 100 years, upholding international rules, norms and standards to ensure all nation states have fair and open access to the sea.” He continued “Enhancingouroperationalinterchangeabilityatsea through exchange programs and capability partnershipsgreatlyenhancesourcollective security and our ability to support a stable, peacefulandprosperousIndo-Pacific.”

Houston and Hammond were joined on the underway by Greg Wilcock, Australian Consul-General Honolulu and Capt. Aaron Peterson, commodore, Submarine Squadron1.

Training the Next Generation of Submariners

Last month, USS Minnesota (SSN 783) conducted at-sea operations as part of an iteration of the Submarine Command Course out of HMAS Stirling, in Western Australia,allowingnavalofficerstoprepare to take command of a submarine with their Australian counterparts gaining valuable experience in submarine operations to include weapons handling, at sea tactics, andtechnology “Americamustbeabletoprojectpowerif we’re going to defend our interests and our allies,”saidHouston.“Asoneofournation’s mostformidableweapons,America’snuclear-Navy does just that sail the world’s oceanstodefendourinterestsabroad.”

In August 2024 USS Hawaii (SSN 776) participatedinaSubmarineTenderedMaintenancePeriodatHMASStirlingalongwith USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), demonstrating theU.S.Navy’sabilitytosustainoperational submarinesoverseastogetherwithitsallies

“This partnership with Australia and the UnitedKingdomisagenerationalundertaking that will continue to shape the security

landscape for decades to come,” said Houston.“Wearesharingexpertiseandlayingthe groundwork for a future where our navies seamlesslyoperatetheapexpredatorsofthe sea,together.”

Under the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) Pillar I effort that supports Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines,theU.S.NavyistrainingAustralian submariners to operate fast-attack submarinesandciviliansfromASCPty Ltd. (formerlytheAustraliaSubmarineCorporation)tomaintainthem.Therearecurrently eight Royal Australian Navy officers and 14 enlistedsubmarinersservingonU.S.Virginia-class submarines, with dozens more undergoing training in the naval nuclear power pipeline and at the U.S. Navy’s Basic EnlistedSubmarineSchool.

“Australia’s submariners are some of the most capable and talented in the world,” said Hammond. “They are expert stewards ofdiesel-electricpoweredsubmarines.The exceptionallyrigoroustrainingoursubmarinersarereceivingattheU.S.Navy’sSubmarine School supercharges their skills and edges us even closer to operating our own nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s Furthermore, the opportunity foroursailorsandofficerstogainhands-on experience working in U.S. Navy Nuclear submarines and learn from the extensive experienceoftheircrewsisinvaluabletothe achievement of our shared security objectives,andwearegratefultoourU.S.partners for sharing their wisdom and experience operatingtheseplatforms.”

More than 150 Australian civilians are under instruction at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to maintain SSNs Last

month,fourAustraliancivilianmaintenance technicians graduated from the U.S. Navy’s RadiologicalControlsTechnicianQualifying School(RCTQS),demonstratingsignificant progress in developing Australia’s nuclear expertiseandstewardship SharingSuccessandaCommonHistory

Both the U.S. and Australia share a strategic interest in maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Submarine cooperation is a key component of this shared strategic vision, and the combined submarine capabilities of the U.S. and Australia contribute to a powerful deterrentforce

Since WWII, the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy have a shared experience operating in the vast Pacific against a common adversary, fostering a sense of camaraderie Regular joint exercises and training opportunities have been a feature oftherelationshipfordecades,includingthe participationbytheRoyalAustralianNavyin theU.S.Navy’sSubmarineCommandCourse since1999 andthejointdevelopmentofthe MK 48 torpedo and AN/BYG-1 Submarine Combat System. The advent of the AUKUS Pillar I Nuclear Submarine cooperation program is a significant evolution of the long-standingrelationshipbetweenAustraliaandtheUnitedStates For over 75 years, the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has maintained an outstandingrecordofmorethan177million miles safely steamed on nuclear power. The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program currently operates 99 reactors and has accumulated over 7,600 reactor-years of operations Because of the program’s demonstrated safety record, U.S. nuclear-poweredwarshipsarewelcomedinmore than150portsofcallinover50foreigncountriesanddependencies

Better Together: Iwo Jima ARG strengthens Naval force through successful integration training

ByChiefPettyOfficerTimothyBlack

Amphibious Squadron 8

The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON) and the 22nd Marine ExpeditionaryUnit(MEU)—allpartoftheIwoJima Amphibious Ready Group (IWOARG)— completedatwo-weekAmphibiousSquadronMarineExpeditionaryUnitIntegration Training (PMINT) in the Atlantic Ocean, April14

“The relationships fostered during PMINT were seamless and highlighted the potential to grow and fight as a team,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Christopher Connelly, assigned to the 22nd MEU and embarked with Fort Lauderdale “Before this, our Marines and Sailors of the landing force were focused on our own mission(s), but now we have an integrated partnershipwheretheNavyandMarineCorpswill continue to work towards a common goal. We remain excited to foster these relation-

ships as we continue to prep for deployment.”

During PMINT, more than 1,800 Sailors from Iwo Jima, amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17),HelicopterSeaCombatSquadron(HSC) 26, Assault Craft Unit Four, Fleet Surgical TeamTwoand1,200Marinesfromthe22nd MEUintegratedtocompleteaseriesofexercises designed to enhance interoperability betweenSailorsandMarines Formanyonboard,thistrainingeventwas the first time Marines and Sailors got the opportunity to work together while underway.

“PMINT is meant for the integration of the blue, green team just to get a feel of what ship life is for Marines and also how to work with our counterparts, the Sailors and just get to know them, the functions of what they do on the ship and what we can do while being on a ship,” said Cpl. Sharon Ruiz, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expedi-

tionaryUnit. Another joint component of operations isflightoperations,whichtheARGdemonstratedduringPMINT

“The intent was to get familiar with the ship,”saidU.S.MarineCorpsCapt.Michael Matott,assignedtothe22ndMarineExpeditionaryUnit.“There’sbeenmoreintegration and involvement with the MEU. We were abletobringintheHueysfromtheIwoand get reps and sets It is really important that we understand the ship life and getting our [qualifications], working with the Navy has beenagoodintroductiontotheteam.”

Iwo Jima’s force protection team also conducted security training with their Marine counterparts This crucial joint trainingensuredmoreseamlessintegration of Navy and Marine multi-layered defense systems to protect ARG shipping Sailors honed skills during evolutions like straits transits and Marines tested their ability to defendtheamphibioustaskforcewithintegratedcapabilitiessuchastheLightMarine

Air-DefenseIntegratedSystem.

“We were able to conduct training over tacticalcombatcasualtycareproceduresas well as close-quarter battle which enabled us to improve our skills while integrating with our Marine reconnaissance element of the 22nd MEU,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Avery McManus “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it was the most eye-opening training I have been a part of It sharpened a lot of my skills in protecting theship.”

Sailors were excited to engage and integratewithMarinesthattheywillbedeployingwithinthefuture

“I love having the Marines onboard, the ship is buzzing with excitement, keeping medical busy,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Rahmeik Ross, assigned to San Antonio “We’ve been getting along great with our green-side counterparts, integrating completely It [has] been a good integration sofar.”

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Norfolk NATO Festival returns April 24-26

FromVaFest.org

Norfolk NATO Festival is the longest continuouslyrunningFestivalintheHamptonRoadsregion,andtheonlyoneofitskind intheUnitedStateswhichhonorstheNATO Allianceanditsmembernations

Festival History

In1951 theWomen’sClubofNorfolkanda numberofNorfolk’sgardenclubsembraced an idea espoused by Fred Heutte the city’s Superintendent of Parks and Forestry, to promote the city’s floral beauty through an annual Festival. Named the Norfolk Crape Myrtle Festival, it took place in Stone Park, located at the north end of The Hague, in the heat of the August sun However, after the1952Festival,citybusinessleadersfrom the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce the 21st Street Business Area Association, and the Retail Merchants Association revised the Festival’s theme and season, choosing a springtime Azalea Festival to highlight thebeautyoftheone-hundredacreNorfolk AzaleaGardens(nowcalledNorfolkBotanicalGardens).TheFestivalwasoperatedand financedasaCommitteeoftheChamberof Commerce in cooperation with the City of Norfolk,from1953to1998

In 1953 NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) established its first and only Command in North America, Supreme Allied Command, Atlantic, in Norfolk, Virginia Aligning the city’s Azalea Festival with the newly formed NATO command helped it to stand out from the multitude of other azalea festivals in nearly every state south of Mason-Dixon line One year after NATO’s arrival, Norfolk city leaders renamedthiseventtheInternationalAzalea

Festival, which served the dual purposes of a salute to the allied forces and celebrating thebeautyofthecity’sgardens. Today, Norfolk is home to two different NATO commands, including Allied Command Transformation (ACT), Joint Force Command Norfolk, and one NATO Center of Excellence, the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea. In 2009, NATO celebrated its 60th Anniversary, with 28 fullmembernationsand22Partnershipfor PeacenationsaspartoftheAlliance providinganever-increasinganddynamicinternational community here in Hampton Roads. In 2021, NATO boasts member nations and 19 Partnership for Peace nations, demonstrating the strength of the world’s oldest Alliance In the more than 50 years since its inception, the Festival has developed into a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, which produces numerous cultural and educational events that are attended annually by thousandsofpeople

TheFestivalisproudtopartnerwithother community organizations, including the VirginiaArtsFestival,VisitNorfolk,Norfolk Public Schools, and the NATO command, to produce these events In 2009, the Festival changed its name again to the Norfolk NATO Festival. Its goals include creating new friendships, providing a basis for culturalexchange,recognizingthemilitary’s role in maintaining peace in the world, and pursuingnewlinesoftradebetweenNorfolk andtheworld.

Since then, NATO has welcomed two more nations Finland and Sweden, now makingthealliance32nationsstrong Norfolk NATO Festival Flag Raising

„ Date:Thursday,April24,20255:00PM

„ Location:ScopePlaza,Norfolk

„ Price:Freeandopentothepublic

„ RunTime:1hour

Celebrate the bond between the city of Norfolk and NATO at this colorful display ofNATOMemberNationflagsthatincludes representation from all NATO Nations and performancesbytheU.S.FleetForcesBand. In case of inclement weather, the Flag RaisingwillbemovedintoScopeArena. The NATO Flag Raising Ceremony is presented by NATO Allied Command Transformation and the Norfolk NATO Festival, in partnership with the Virginia InternationalTattoo 72nd Annual Parade of Nations

„ Date:Saturday,April26,202510:00AM

„ Location:DowntownNorfolk

„ Price:Freeandopentothepublic

„ RunTime:90minutes

TheonlyparadeintheU.S.tohonorNATO features over 100 parade units including U.S. and international bands, military units, community groups and floats representing everNATOMemberNation!

TheParadeisfreeandopentothepublic, but reserved seating is available for purchaseonlineathttps://www.vafest.org/ norfolk-nato-festival/norfolk-nato-festival-events/72nd-annual-parade-of-nations/.

Important Information

„ Clear bags are strongly encouraged Bag checkswillbeconductedatrandom.

„ GrabyourlawnchairsandcometodowntownNorfolk

„ Find a seat near the announcers stands

PressRelease

Norfolk,VA April1,2025 TheNorfolk Forumwillhostthefinallectureofits202425 season when it welcomes Bob and Lee Woodruff on Tuesday, April 29 2025 (7:30pm) at downtown Norfolk’s Chrysler Hall. Award winning journalist Bob Woodruff hascoveredthemostinfluentialstoriesand breaking news around the globe for more than30years Justafewmonthsafterbeing named Co-anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight, in 2006, Woodruff was reporting ontheStateoftheUnionfromIraqwhenhis vehiclewashitbyaroadsidebomb resulting in a critical injury and a head trauma that put him in a 36- day coma. Woodruff’s remarkablerecoverybacktoreportinghighlightstheresiliencyofthehumanspirit. As co-author with her husband of the New York Times bestselling In An Instant, Lee Woodruff garnered critical acclaim for the compelling and humorous chronicle of her family’s journey to recovery following her husband’s injury Her bestselling book PerfectlyImperfect ALifeinProgress was followed by her first novel Those We Love Most, which became a New York Times bestseller Appearing publicly and on national television since the publication of their book, thecouplehashelpedputafaceontheserious issue of traumatic brain injury among returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans aswellasthemillionsofAmericanswho livewiththisofteninvisible,butlife-changingaffliction. Together, Bob and Lee share stories that willcaptivateaudiencesandleavethemwith a new understanding of the fragility of life, thestrengthoffamilyandfriends,thebravery of the military and healthcare professionals who helped save Bob’s life along with the lessons they have learned on how

tosurviveandovercomeeventhemosttragic ofcircumstances

Bob continues to report for ABC News on a variety of subjects and has produced a number of award winning documentaries, including“AftertheBlast,”whereheandhis son, Mack, returned to the spot where he washitbythebomb Afterhismiraculousrecovery,theWoodrufffamilyfoundedtheBobWoodruffFoundation which assists wounded servicemen and their families with the transition back to the home front as they successfully reintegrateintotheircommunities Todate,the Bob Woodruff Foundation has given away about$160milliontoassistservicemembers andtheirfamilies

Founded in 1933, The Norfolk Forum is the oldest publicly-subscribed speakers’ forum in the country. Each season, The Forum presents thought-provoking public figures who, in different ways, help shape American thought and opinion. After each presentation,speakersengagetheaudience inaquestion-andanswersession For more information on The Norfolk Forum, please visit our website www thenorfolkforum.org.

Limited single tickets for Bob and Lee Woodruff’s appearance are available only via Ticketmaster or The Norfolk Forum. Military and student discounts are available-pleasecontactTheNorfolkForumfor additional information. Seating is general admission.

Wewillbeofferingareducedsingleticket priceformilitaryservicemembersaswell as veterans. The promo code, “PATRIOT,” isformilitaryandveteransanditreducesthe regular single ticket price of $60 (plus fees) toonly$40,inclusiveoffees OntheTicketmasterwebsite thepromocodeneedstobe UNLOCKEDpriortocheckout.

Community

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS, NEWS AND PHOTOS

The Flagship welcomes submissions from ourreaders online. Pleasesubmiteventshere: www.militarynews.com/users/admin/calendar/event/ Pleasesubmitnewsandphotoshere: www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/submit_news/

InterviewByYiorgo

WWE’s WrestleMania 41 is this weekend coming live from Las Vegas and can be streamed live on Peacock in the US and Netflix worldwide The wrestling card is set to deliver outstanding matches filled with drama, intrigue and what is sure to be incredible athleticism by all the wrestlers involved. The presentation both for those live and to those watching throughout the world will indeed be a spectacle of Emmy worthyproportions!

Some of the matches scheduled to take placeduringthespectaculartwonightevent include: John Cena challenging Champion Cody Rhodes for the Undesputed WWE Championship main eventing night two andaTripleThreatmatchofSethRollinsvs CMPunkvsRomanReignswith“TheWise Man” Paul Heyman coming out in Punk’s corner,maineventingnightone

Other great matches include: Charlotte Flair challenging Tiffany Straton for her WWE Women’s Championship, Jay Uso vs GuntherforhisWorldHeavyweightChampionship and many other title matches, grudge matches and so much more. For all theinfo,gotohttps://www.wwe.com/ Elevenyearsago,Iwasfortunateenough to attend WWE WrestleMania XXX. It was my first live WrestleMania and what an incredible one indeed to be fortunate enough to attend From the Undertaker’s streakcomingtoanendatthehandsofBrock Lesnar to Cesaro getting rid of his partner Jack Swagger and manager Zeb Colter and winning the first ever Andre the Giant 30 menoverthetopbattleroyaltoDanielBryan becoming the heavyweight champion and so much more, it was a night I will never forget and still pinch myself I wrote about myamazingexperienceandhowIwasable toattendasWWE’sspecialguestbackthen andherebelowisthatarticleinitsentirety MY40-yearjourneytoWrestleMania30 Ihavehadanincrediblechainofunbelievableeventsthathaveledmetoattendingmy very first WrestleMania and it was WRESTLEMANIAXXX! And what a weekend it was. I, along with the more than 75,000 fans in attendance Sunday night, participated in history From theUndertaker’sstreakcomingtoanendat thehandsofBrockLesnar totheamazingly talented Cesaro all in one night getting rid of his partner Jack Swagger and manager ZebColterandwinningthefirsteverAndre the Giant 30 men over the top battle royal to Daniel Bryan becoming the heavyweight champion.Itwasallsomagical.

Formethemagicstarted40yearsbefore I cametoAmericawhenIwas10yearsoldin 1966andgrewupinHampton,VA IdiscoveredprofessionalwrestlingonWAVYTV10 thelocalNBCaffiliateandfellinlovewithit immediately. The wrestlers were true televisionstarsandeverytwoweeksyouwould get to see them live at the Hampton Coliseum or the Norfolk arena and eventually theNorfolkScope Iwashooked.

It was at the Hampton Coliseum that through family friend Tony Anthony, the sports editor at the time for the Newport News paper The Daily Press, that I met and became friends with Joe Murnick, the promoter of the Virginia/North Carolina portion of Mid Atlantic Wrestling/Jim Crockett Promotions, his wife Shirley, and two sons Carl and Elliott who ran the territory The Murnicks allowed me to use my regular 8 and super 8 cameras to film the matches at the Hampton Coliseum and NorfolkScope whilesittingnexttothering announcer Thisgavemetheopportunityto seeandfilmwrestlingupcloseandpersonal duringtheearly1970sandearly1980swhen professionalwrestlingwasinitsheyday AndMid-AtlanticWrestling/JimCrockett Promotions was THE hotbed of wrestling during those years All the stars of that era came through the territory Not only did I become friends with some of the wrestlers atthetime Ialsohadtheirmatchesonfilm. My footage is a who’s who of pro wrestling From Ric Flair to Ricky Steamboat, from RoddyPipertoHarleyRace,fromBlackjack Mulligan to Wahoo McDaniel, and on and on,yougettheidea.

(CREDIT:WGVGFXONIG)

A trip to Stamford Connecticut where WWE is located was next on the agenda. With limo rides from my house to the airports and back, to putting me up at the Hilton, to tours of the WWE TV studios, warehouse and cooperate and finally being interviewedfortheWWENetworkforover an hour by Tavis Tenney in order to tell my behind the scene stories of my footage and beingwiththewrestlers,Iwasmadetofeel likethemilliondollarman

For a true wrestling fan like me going inside to where few have been, The WWE warehouse was like winning the golden ticket to Willy Wanka’s factory Everything from the old WWWF, WCW, other promotions and WWE props, cages, rings, belts, robes, signs, and so much more was there. I wasindeedhumbledwithhowmuchhistory was at my fingertips. I even saw, touched, and took pictures with the original WWF ring from the first WrestleMania and now thanks to WWE, they treated me to a once inalifetimeexperience,attendingWrestleMania30aswellasalltheaddedexcitement ofWWEAxxessandtheHallofFameCeremony.

Ace photographer and writer Jonathan McLarty did an outstanding job describing theeventsofWrestleMania30inaprevious issue of The Flagship and here is the link to it. http://www.norfolknavyflagship.com/ sports/professional_wrestling/article_1ffb650c-c57d-11e3-9675-0019bb2963f4.html

My adventure was only beginning AnothereventcalledWrestleconthatschedulesitselftocomplementWrestleManiawas also going on down the street in New Orleans Wrestlecon brings together vendors fans and legends of pro wrestling all under one roof It is a Godsend for all wrestling fans HereIhadtheopportunitytohelpout andalsoreconnectwithmanywrestlers

WhatIfilmedformypleasurebackthen, became my treasure 40 years later My rare footage has become very valuable Last summer Highspots Video purchased for a limited use a small portion of my footage and used it in the Jim Crockett Promotions Documentary http://www.highspots com/p/crockett-doc.html directed by MichaelElliottthatwentontowinthebest professionalwrestlingDVDof2013 And that brings us to the present with WWE,andwhatapresentithasbeen.After very lengthy negotiations with Ben Brown, in charge of the archives at WWE, that includedWWECOOPaulMichaelLevesque betterasHHHandWWE’sDirectorofAsset Management George Kapetanakos as well as Matt Brucatto WWE”s Media Content Manager, we came to an agreement and my footage has now been purchased by WWE andwillsoonbeseenbyfansworldwide

From spending good quality time with former World NWA champ Terry Funk whoisabigfanofVanguardChampionship Wrestling(VCW)www.vcw-wrestling.com the promotion that I am the Commissioner in Norfolk, VA https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WZgJ9Y2SFns to talking with formerWWF/EchampBretHart,toWWE 2014 Hall of Fame inductee Razor Ramon/ Scott Hall to having ECW/WWE/TNA superstar Tommy Dreamer put me over to BubbaRayandDevonDudleyandVelvetSky anything can and did happen on this magicalweekend. The weekend kicked off with WWE Axxess an interactive opportunity for fans and wrestlers to mingle together Current WWE Superstars and Legends were available for fans to meet, chat and take photos with. I had the opportunity to meet Pat Patterson and Jimmy Hart. They were graciouswiththeirtime Fanswerealsoable to attend NXT live matches A museum of WWEwrestlingmemorabiliawasalsosetup fromtheWWEwarehousethatIhadvisited forfanstosee Ienjoyedseeingthefans’reactionstosuchitemsastheUltimateWarrior’s jacket, the Undertaker robes, Harley Race’s robeandcrown,differentWWWF/EWorld Heavyweight belts and so much more I smiledknowingthatthiswasjustafraction from what was located at the warehouse. I was honored and humbled when I helped escort the Andre The Giant Memorial Trophy out of the museum. https://www youtube.com/watch?v=Z_qakvSkI5UThere wassomuchmoretoseeanddoattheWWE Axxess that you needed at least two days to seeanddoitall. Attending the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame was an amazing experience Being present andseeingthesegreatathletesgettingwhat theyfinallydeservedwasagreatprivilege Then came WrestleMania itself A party atmosphere if they’re ever was one More than 75,000 from all over the world had gatheredtobeentertainedandbeentertaining I was part of WWE history, I saw the

UndertakerlosehisstreakandDanielBrian become champ to the delight of all 75,000 thousand. Also with much happiness and joy I witnessed Cesaro win the first ever Andre The Giant Memorial Trophy. I texted him withmycongratulationsafterhismatch.He is an old friend. We had worked together in thepastinVCW.Afteranexhausting,magical weekend, I returned to my hotel ready to collapse only to receive a text back from Cesaro thanking me for the well wishes A classygesturefromaclassyman.

The excitement continued the next day at the airport when the opportunity arose againtoseeandsaygoodbyetonewfriends, fansandwrestlers IenjoyedspendingqualitytimewithDiamondDallasPage,hiswife Kimberly and Kevin Nash. Also there were legendslikeRonSimmons,JerryBriscoand IrenewedmyfriendshipwithPaulOrndorff Perhapsthemostpleasantsurprisewasthat ofNickBollea,sonofHulkHoganwhoImet forthefirsttimethereattheairport Hewas averypoliteyoungmanwhoquicklygaveup his seat for me in the crowded dining area. I was very impressed with how humble he was.HehasmaturedalotandIwasveryglad tohavemethimandseehismaturitylevel. I feel very blessed to have been able to participate and partake in all the WrestleMania 30 and Wrestlecon activities. Thank you WWE and all the people involved through the years that have helped to make this once in a lifetime experience unforgettable My wish is for all pro wrestling fans to have the opportunity and experience live what WRESTLEMANIA is all about…an adventure beyond your wildest expectations!

Yiorgo is an arts entertainment and sports writer A stage TV and movie actor he is also a sports entertainer educator motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

„ Price:Freeandopentothepublic

on Waterside drive and on Granby Street so you don’t miss anyofthefeatures

„ FloatsfromeachoftheNATOMemberNations

„ Visiting International bands from the Virginia InternationalTattoo

„ Local and Visiting High School Marching Bands participatingintheVirginiaInternationalMusicFestival

„ SpecialcelebrityGrandMarshal

The Norfolk NATO Festival’s Parade of Nations is presented in cooperation with the Virginia International Tattoo Norfolk NATO Festival International Village

„ Date:Saturday,April26,202511:30AM

„ Location:TownPointPark,Norfolk

„ RunTime:eventendsat3PM JoininacelebrationandappreciationofourlocalNATO Headquarters Interact with NATO Representatives and exploreinternationalheritagewithculturalperformances international art cuisine, and craft beers. Come celebrate withthewholefamilyinaEuropeanStreetfairatmosphere inDowntownNorfolk

ImportantInformation „ Clear bags are strongly encouraged. Bag checks will be conducted

ThingstoDo

„ ExploretheInternationalVillage

„ Download the NATO Explorer Passport online and visit each country to travel ‘Around the NATO World!’ Meet representatives from each of the NATO Member Nations fromNorfolk’sAlliedCommandTransformationandJoint ForcesCommandNorfolk. „ LearnallaboutNATOanditsactivitiesatAlliedCommand

Transformation visiteachnation’stent! „ MusicandPerformancesontheMarketStage „ Cultural dancers and performers will entertain guests throughouttheeventontheNATOMarketStages!

Take transit!

LetHamptonRoadsTransitgetyoutotheshowwithout the worry of traffic and parking The Tide light rail stops at MonticelloStation,justashortwalktotheScopeArenaand Scope Plaza. Park for free at three HRT park-and-ride lots at Newtown Road Station, Military Highway Station and Ballentine/BroadCreekStation.Thenhoponboardforjust $2eachway.Kidsridefreewithapayingadult.Planyourtrip forhassle-freetraveltotheVirginiaInternationalTattoo!

For more information

Foracompletescheduleofeventsvisithttps://www.vafest. org/norfolk-nato-festival/orcall757-282-2800

Norfolk NATO Festival from Page 1

NorfolkNATO Festival InternationalVillage atTown Point Park Norfolk.

ByFamilyFeatures

Source: Culinary.net

Easy, Creamy Spring Goodness

Forasoupthatsmellsasdivineasittastes,warmupyour home with the fresh scents and flavors of Creamy AsparagusSoup Pairwithchickensaladcroissantsforasimple weeknightmealwithoutthehasslethenvisitCulinary.net todiscovermorespringsoupsolutions

CreamyAsparagusSoup

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Servings: 4-6

„ 2asparagusbundles

„ 3tablespoonsbutter

„ 1tablespoononionpowder

„ 1tablespoongarlicpowder

„ 3cupsbrothofchoice,divided

„ 4ouncescreamcheese

„ 1cupParmesancheese

„ 2teaspoonscelerysalt

„ 2teaspoonsItalianseasoning

„ ½cupheavycream

„ salt,totaste

„ pepper totaste

„ chickensaladcroissants forserving

Chopasparagusintobite-sizepieces Inlargepot,place asparagus,butter,onionpowder,garlicpowderand1cup broth.Cookovermediumheatuntilasparagusgetstender Transfer to blender with 1 cup broth and blend until smooth.Transferbacktopotand,overmediumheat,mix in cream cheese, remaining broth and Parmesan cheese. AddcelerysaltandItalianseasoning Cookwhilestirring blendingseasoningsinwell,thenaddheavycream. Seasonwithsaltandpepper totaste Servewithchicken saladcroissants

A Springtime Twist on Classic Chicken Soup

Chasingawaythosefinalcooldaysinthespringcanbe doneinacinch:justturnclassicchickennoodlesoupinto afresh,lemonymeal.ThisLemonChickenOrzoSoupcalls

to mind those classic brothy soups from when you were a kid but with a flavorful spring twist. Serve with fresh cucumbersandwichesforaveggie-forwardmealandfind moresoupinspirationatCulinary.net.

LemonChickenOrzoSoup

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6

„ 2carrots

„ 2celerystalks

„ 3tablespoonsbutter

„ 2cupscooked,choppedchicken

„ ⅓cuplemonjuice

„ 2teaspoonslemonpepper

„ 6cupsbroth

„ 1cuporzo

„ 1tablespoongarlicpowder

„ 1tablespoononionpowder

„ 1tablespoonthyme

„ 1tablespoonsugar

„ 1cupheavycream

„ salt,totaste

„ pepper,totaste

„ cucumbersandwiches,forserving Chopcarrotsandcelery Inpot,sautewithbutter In bowl, mix chicken with lemon juice and lemon pepperthensetaside.

After carrots and celery are tender add broth and orzo topot.Thenaddgarlicpowder onionpowder thymeand sugar Simmer 10 minutes then add chicken and cream; simmerabout5minutes

Addsaltandpepper,totaste Servewithcucumbersandwiches

A Warming Springtime Soup

Springisoftenunpredictable Warmweather,cooldays, raincloudsandclearskies-it’shardtoknowwhattoserve for dinner. On those chillier evenings that call for a hot meal, turn to an easy solution like this Roasted Tomato Soup FindmorespringtimesouprecipesthroughoutApril atCulinary.net.

RoastedTomatoSoup

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin Savvy” Servings: 4-6

„ 3poundstomatoes

½onion(optional)

„

„ 1garlicbulb(optional)

„ 1tablespoongarlicpowder

„ 2teaspoonsonionpowder

„ 1tablespoonsugar

„ 1tablespoonmesquiteseasoning

„ avocadooil

„ 1½cupsbrothofchoice

„ 1cupheavywhippingcream

„ salt,totaste

„ pepper,totaste

„ grilledcheesesandwiches,forserving(optional) Heatovento375F.

Slicetomatoes Sliceonionsandgarlic,ifdesired.Place inbakingdish. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, sugar and mesquite seasoning over tomatoes Drizzle avocado oil overtopandmixwell.

Bakeabout1hour.Blenduntilsmooth. Pour into pot and mix in broth and whipping cream Bringtosimmerandaddsaltandpepper,totaste Servewithgrilledcheesesandwiches,ifdesired.

Provide feedback on clinical practice guidelines in joint DOD, VA patient focus group discussion on menopause April 25

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLS CHURCH, Va Did you know that your feedback could be a key ingredient in developing health policies treatments, and models of care for the military andveteranhealthcaresystems?

The Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration are seeking volunteers for four upcoming patient focus groups Thesefocusgroupswillhelpinform the development of clinical practice guidelines

“Clinical practice guidelines are instrumental in how providers treat various medicalconditions,”saidU.S.PublicHealth ServiceCapt.MargaretRincon,Chief,Clinical Quality Improvement, at the Defense Health Agency “Your feedback is critical forcreatingacomprehensivecaremodelto improvepatientoutcomes.”

All focus groups meet virtually and last about two hours The next focus group, on diagnosing and treating menopause is on April25at2p.m.ET Thedeadlinetoregister isApril24at5p.m.ET

TheotherCPGsindevelopmentare:

„ Osteoarthritis

„ Hypertension(highbloodpressure)

„ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, orCOPD

Eachtopicneedsninevolunteers

Participation requirements

„ You must be diagnosed by your doctor withtheconditionrelatedtothetopic.

„ Youmustbeatleast18yearsold.

„ You must have received health care at a militaryhospitalorclinic.Haveyoureceived additionalorreferralcareoutsideamilitary hospital or clinic? You can still participate, aslongasyou’veprimarilyreceivedcarefor thisconditionatamilitaryhospitalorclinic

What to expect

Otherimportantthingstoknowinclude:

„ A doctor will ask you to share your

experiencesinasmallgroupdiscussionwith otherpeoplereceivingsimilarcare.

„ You’ll have the chance to review and provide feedback on the final draft CPG for yourtopic. „ The report won’t include any personally identifiableinformation.

more

Email the DHA CPG Group Mailbox at dha.ncr.medical-affairs mbx.cqi-cpg@health.mil. Please indicate thetopicinyoursubjectline (Note:Youcan

ByTRICARECommunications

FALLS CHURCH, Va Are you moving toanewhome?Isitmorethana30-minute drivefromyourprimarycaremanager?Ifso, TRICAREismakingitsimplertokeepyour TRICAREPrimecoverage Now,mostfamilies who live more than 30 minutes but less than100milesfromtheirPCMcancontinue seeingthemwithouttakingaction. What’s new?

In the past, if you moved more than 30 minutes from your PCM, you would’ve had to fill out a drive time waiver to keep your coverage Without this form, you would’ve riskedlosingaccesstoyourpreferredPCM.

The new policy “flips” this process If youlivemorethan30minutesbutlessthan 100 miles from your PCM, you won’t need to take any action to keep your coverage TRICAREwillautomaticallyapplythedrive timewaiverforyou,makingiteasiertokeep yourcurrentPCM.

“Our data shows more than half of beneficiarieswhowaivedtheirdrivetimeaccess to care standard due to address issues lived lessthan100milesfromtheirmilitaryhospitalorclinic, saidShanePham,management andprogramanalyst,TRICAREHealthPlan Policy & Programs Branch, at the Defense Health Agency “This new approach will helppreventunnecessarycoveragegapsand ensurefamilieskeepaccesstotheirPCMs.”

How will it work?

If your TRICARE regional contractor learns that you’ve moved more than 30 minutes from your PCM, based on informationonfile,they’ll:

„ Callyou „ Sendyouatext

„ Mailyoualetter

„ Emailyou

They’ll contact all adults in your household. You’ll have 90 days from the notification date to decide what to do about your coverage

What do you need to do?

Your next steps depend on how far you livefromyourPCM.

If you live more than 30 minutes, but less than100miles away:

„ Youdon’tneedtodoanythingifyouwant to keep TRICARE Prime coverage Your

coverage will stay the same, and you’ll keep yoursamePCM. „ Youcanswitchhealthplansifyouwantto If you live more than 100 miles away you mustchooseoneoftheseoptionswithin90 daysbeingnotifiedbyyourregionalcontractor: „ Confirm your decision to keep your currentTRICAREPrimecoverage „ SwitchtoTRICARESelect. „ SwitchtotheUSFamilyHealthPlan(ifit’s availableinyourarea).

Switching to TRICARE Select or the USFHP (where available) lets you choose your PCM regardless of distance from your home TRICARE Select lets you manage your own health care and get care from any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral(inmostsituations),asdescribedin the TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook (online at https://tricare.mil/ Publications/Handbooks/united_states).

If you live more than 100 miles away and don’tchooseoneoftheseoptionswithin90 days you’ll be disenrolled from TRICARE

Prime and lose access to your PCM You couldthenonlygetcareatmilitaryhospitals andclinicsifspaceisavailable You’dneedto wait until the next TRICARE Open Season toenrollinaplan. Remember: Moving is a Qualifying Life Event. A QLE allows you and your eligible family members to change your TRICARE health plan outside of TRICARE Open Season. But if you don’t make a change within 90 days, you’ll need to wait until the nextopenseasontoenrollinaplan.

Update your information in DEERS

Are you planning to move soon? When youdo,makesuretoupdateyouraddressin the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. Check that your email address andphonenumberarecurrent,too Thiswill helpmakesureyoudon’tmissanyimportant communicationsfromTRICARE,including messagesaboutdrivetimewaivers

Youcanupdateyourinformation: „ OnlineinmilConnectviaBeneficiaryWeb Enrollment „ Bycallingyourregionalcontractor Need help?

If you have questions, call your regional contractor: „ EastRegion:HumanaMilitary (800-444-5445) „ WestRegion:TriWestHealthcare Alliance(888-874-9378) This new process gives you time to make decisions about your care. You’ll have 90 days from the date your contractor notified youtolookatyouroptionsandchoosewhat worksbestforyourfamily Ifyou’rethinking ofswitchingorenrollinginanewTRICARE health plan, check out the TRICARE Plan Finder tool (online at https://www.tricare. mil/planfinder). UnlockyourhealthwithTRICARE—learn how to get care based on your TRICARE healthplan.

Crossword Sudoku

FROMALABAMA TOLOUISIANA